On leaving Ponte Tresa we set off on the road which runs alongside the river which, on this section, marks the frontier between Italy and Switzerland.
On arriving at Cremenaga we turn left and, having passed through this small town, we continue to climb to Avigno (see the photograph). If you are cycling then the climb does present a certain amount of difficulty - although it only lasts for a kilometre.
The name of this locality which certainly existed in 1189 probably derives from the Latin vinea , indicating the presence of vineyards that no longer exist but can be intuited due to the presence of some terracings. Moreover, it is also reasonable to suppose that on this hillock one cultivated what the scarce exposure to the sun at the foot of the valley did not permit. Even today the village has a surviving - albeit small - agricultural economy.
Just outside the village, in the direction of Cadegliano Viconago, we come across the church dedicated to San Fedele Martire and Beata Vergine del Carmine. It was built from 1625 to 1650 over a former building dating to 1050-1075 (of which the Romanesque bell tower survives). From Avigno one has a splendid view of the Swiss side of the valley.
The zone lying before us is named Malcantone - literally Badcanton (see the photo) - which lets us presume that it was not considered in a very favourable light with regards to its inhabitants. The villages we can see are Sessa and, higher still, Astano.
At this point on our itinerary it is interesting to evaluate how the diverse historical, economic and administrative vicissitudes have led to a quite different development of the territory in question.
At this point we climb the northern side of the valley. In order to do this we shall simply cross the border on the bridge of Cremenaga and go up to Sessa. Returning to Cremenaga we continue in the direction of Biviglione. There are two possibilities here. One can follow the road which from Cremenaga leads just a little above Biviglione or, instead, and if you are cyclists who love a challenge, then descend along the valley of the Tresa to a little before the artificial lake of Creva, turning left on the road for Biviglione. This is a brief stretch with extremely steep hairpin bends. You should be careful here!
Stop for a minute in Biviglione to catch your breath. Enjoy the impression of being on a sort of balcony facing out over the valley and Luino. And do not miss a short visit to the Church of San Quirico with its simple Romanesque bell tower. Continue along this road which after a number of climbs and descents leads to Voldomino and, from here, to Luino and Lake Maggiore.